Photo By Senior Airman Anthony Reyes | U.S. Air Force Col. Frances Dixon, (left), Commander of the 914th Air Refueling Wing...... read more read more
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NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. – Staff Sgt. Steve Skelton, a KC-135 Structural Repair Craftsman from the 914th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Squadron, was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal for heroism after saving the lives of two elderly women at 8 p.m. on January 12th, 2025.
Skelton’s prompt assessment of their injuries and administration of first aid were significant in stabilizing the condition of both women until paramedics arrived.
Skelton was seated at a restaurant prepared to watch a football game, when he heard screams of distress. He witnessed two elderly women falling face first down an escalator located behind him.
“I thought somebody may have had a medical emergency, I didn’t know how they fell,” said Skelton.
Without hesitation, Skelton rushed over from his seat to aid them, as both women were unconscious and one was bleeding from her head.
Skelton removed the first woman from the escalator and instructed bystanders to activate the emergency stop button, and call 911. He returned to the scene and removed the second woman from the escalator as she regained consciousness.
“I didn't know how to stop the escalator from moving,” said Skelton. “I just fireman dragged these ladies off the escalator. They were getting toward the bottom and with clothing and hair, I didn't want them getting sucked into the grate.”
After bringing both women to safety, Skelton helped administer first aid to them both.
“It happened so quick,” Skelton said. “The escalator was still moving and you only have a few seconds to figure out what to do.”
As security arrived on scene to help control the situation, Skelton went outside the establishment to make sure valet parking was clear for first responders to have access to the building.
When paramedics arrived on scene, Skelton assisted them in escorting the women to and on the ambulance for further care.
Skelton said the whole weekend was a complete surprise, from jumping into action to receiving the medal.
“I didn't expect any of this, I just came in for drill like I normally do,” Skelton said. “I go out after work and watch football and have dinner. It was just right place, right time.”
To Col. Frances Dixon, Commander of the 914th Maintenance Squadron, it was not just ‘right place, right time.’
“He will just tell you that because he is a really humble guy,” said Dixon. “No, you were the right person, in the right place, at the right time, with the right training and the right intrinsic capabilities as a person, with the biased reaction to want to help.”
Dixon also said that this is not out of character for Skelton. She said he is a great member of the unit and he is heavily relied on. Dixon stated that he is a strong non-commissioned officer and great at mentoring other Airmen.
“He is a great member of the maintenance squadron. He is an outstanding mechanic, and he is deeply respected by his peers,” said Dixon. “Sadly he is a Steelers fan, but we forgive him for that.”
To Dixon, Skelton demonstrated true professionalism. Just hours after this incident he was outside working on maintenance equipment and training new Airmen.
“That is, to me, the hallmark of how outstanding the members of the maintenance squadron are,” Dixon said.
Skelton said if there is anything he could tell the public regarding this incident, it is to never be afraid to help someone in need.
“I witnessed it, something happens and people just sit around and do nothing but call for help,” said Skelton. “Sometimes you need to act. Yeah we’re trained to respond and not freak out, but just don't be afraid to help someone.”
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2025 09:47 |
| Story ID: | 489314 |
| Location: | NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Right Place, Right Time: 914 ARW Maintainer Receives Commendation Medal, by SrA Anthony Reyes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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